Dr Ruby Bhatti OBE DL is a highly respected Solicitor and Head of Department for Family and Immigration Law, with over 30 years’ experience in the legal sector and a proven record of leadership across health, education, law, and community governance. She chairs the Wolfson Centre for Applied Research and serves on the boards of the Yorkshire & Humber Applied Research Collaboration (ARC), the Education Alliance for Life Chances (EALC), and Active Bradford. She is also an Independent Hospital Manager (panel member and Chair) for Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust (BDCFT), sitting on Mental Health Act review panels to ensure that patients have an independent opportunity for their cases to be heard and their rights upheld.
Ruby is a Trustee and active Member of several Multi-Academy Trusts across Yorkshire and a Board Member of Independent Governance Support (IGS). She has previously held senior governance positions, including Vice Chair of the Bradford Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), Board Member of the Bradford Care Alliance (BCA), Member of the Department for Education’s (DfE) Priority Area Partnership Board, Chair of a housing association, and Non Executive Director of a large housing association in West Yorkshire.
With over 28 years’ experience as a Non-Executive Director, Ruby is currently supporting a range of charities and social enterprise organisations, continuing to play an influential role in driving positive community change. She is also an Associate Lecturer (AFHEA), contributing to education and legal professional development.
Ruby chaired a number of primary and secondary schools, supporting their progression from “Serious weaknesses ” to “Outstanding” judgments. In addition, she was appointed by the Department for Education to serve on Interim Executive Boards in schools where governance had failed.
Ruby was awarded an OBE in the 2019 New Year’s Honours for services to housing and young people, received an Honorary Doctorate in 2020, and was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire in 2023. She stands in nomination as High Sheriff for 2026–2027.
Female Deputy Lieutenant Badge
